Moms and moms-to-be need all the support they can get. One of those sources of support is housed in the TTUHSC School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics in Amarillo. The Infant Risk Center is a call center used by physicians, nurse, lactation consultants and mothers worldwide. Our guest for this episode is director of the Infant Risk Center of Excellence, Kaytlin Krutsch, Ph.D., Pharm.D.

Dr. Krutsch tells us all about the IRC and the information they provide. Dr. Krutsch goes on to explain how substances transfer to breast milk, the most common concerns and questions the IRC addresses, how we can support the IRC and moms, and in a world full of artificial intelligence, assures us that when someone calls the center, they’re speaking to an actual health care provider.

Infant Risk Center: 1-806-352-2519

Resources: infantrisk.com/infantrisk-center-resources

Support: infantrisk.com/donate

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June is Men’s Health Month, and we want to bring attention to male infertility. Why this is an important health topic is one of the questions we ask our expert for this episode, Samuel Prien, Ph.D., professor and director of clinical research laboratories in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the School of Medicine. Dr. Prien explains what factors contribute to male fertility and infertility, what is considered a healthy sperm count and what lifestyle factors could affect sperm health. He encourages us to talk about this topic more openly so couples thinking about conceiving might possibly save time and money by first checking the male’s fertility.

Financial insecurity can negatively affect our sleep and nutrition and cause social isolation. All of these take a toll on our mental health. Michele Mahr, Ph.D., assistant professor at the TTUHSC School of Health Professions Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling department of clinical counseling and mental health, is out guest expert for this episode. Dr. Mahr emphasizes the importance of open communication about financial stress with families and relationships. She also advices seeking professional help when financial stress significantly impacts our mental health and daily functioning. Dr. Mahr encourages that we exercise and try positive affirmations to help reduce stress, but emphasizes the importance of being authentic and identifying with ourselves rather than seeking external validation through things.